Modal Verb "sollen" For Intermediate learners

What Is sollen?

Sollen (should, be supposed to) is a modal verb that is mainly used to talk about duties, expectations, advice, and information from other people. It often shows that someone else is the reason for the obligation.

Structure

Like other German modal verbs, sollen is used with a main verb in the infinitive, and in main clauses it is conjugated, placed in the second position, while the main verb moves to the end. In questions, sollen typically comes first.

Example

Ich soll heute früher gehen.

I am supposed to leave earlier today.

Soll ich ihm helfen?

Should I help him?

What Is sollte?

Sollte is the Konjunktiv II (subjunctive) form of sollen and is mainly used to express polite advice, weak obligation, moral duty, or hypothetical situations.

Example

Wir sollten das Formular heute noch abschicken.

We ought to send the form today.

Uses

As mentioned earlier, sollen has different meanings depending on its form and context. Pay attention to the uses below:

Obligation, Rules, and Instructions

Plans, Intentions, and Expectations

Reports, Rumours, and Second-Hand Information

Advice, Moral Duty, and Politeness

Past Expectations and Missed Duties

Obligation, Rules, and Instructions

Sollen is most often used to express that someone is expected to do something because of rules, teachers, bosses, parents, or social norms. The obligation comes from outside, not from the speaker.

Example

Ich soll morgen früher kommen.

I am supposed to come earlier tomorrow.

Prohibition and Strong Warnings

In negative sentences, sollen expresses that something is not allowed or strongly discouraged. It often sounds like a rule or serious instruction.

Example

Man soll nicht während der Fahrt telefonieren.

One must not use the phone while driving.

Plans, Intentions, and Expectations

Sollen can show that something is planned, intended, or expected to happen in the future. It does not mean the speaker is sure - it only shows what is planned or hoped for.
This meaning is common in news, schedules, and announcements.

Example

Der Kurs soll im September beginnen.

The course is supposed to start in September.

Reports, Rumours, and Second-Hand Information

When using sollen, speakers can report what they heard from others without confirming it. This shows distance and uncertainty.
It is often used in journalism and formal speech.

Example

Er soll viel Geld geerbt haben.

He is said to have inherited a lot of money.

Advice, Moral Duty, and Politeness

The Konjunktiv II form sollte is used to give gentle advice and talk about what is morally right. It sounds polite and less direct than commands.

Example

Wir sollten höflicher miteinander umgehen.

We should treat each other more politely.

Past Expectations and Missed Duties

Sollen in the past can describe what was expected to happen. With hätte … sollen, it shows that something did not happen, although it was necessary or expected. This form is often used for regret and criticism.